Nancy Bemis Brown

Nancy Bemis Brown

April 5th, 1933

Nancy Bemis Brown, 92, of Ridgecrest, CA, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, on November 27th, 2025, passing peacefully.

Born on April 5th, 1933, to the late Harry John Bemis and Carroll Thomas Bemis, in Kalamazoo, MI. Nancy grew up in Kalamazoo, MI, and Highland Park, Dallas, TX. She attended two years of college in Michigan, then left to become a flight attendant for American Airlines in Los Angeles, CA. She met and married a Navy pilot, Robert Lee Hollingsworth, in San Diego, CA. They traveled to Naval bases in TX, LA, and CA, finally settled in Coronado, CA with their three daughters. Robert died tragically while on active duty in 1970.

She married Mitchell Brown in 1979. Together they built a Christ-centered home filled with love, hospitality and the sweet aroma of wonderful meals prepared with joy.

Her home was a reflection of her vibrant personality: beautifully decorated, seasonally refreshed, and always ready to welcome guests. Nancy was known for her open-door policy; friends knew they could drop by for a cup of coffee, a home-cooked meal, or simply warm conversation on her patio or living room. Her circle of friends was vast and cherished – she nurtured lifelong friendships with care, remembering birthdays, celebrating milestones, and offering comfort in difficult times.

Nancy gave generously to her community, volunteering with local charities, WACOM thrift shop, the hospital auxiliary, her church women’s group, and teaching children at church. Her quiet acts of kindness – delivering meals and sharing conversation to shut-ins, visiting the sick, and mentoring young women – touched more lives than she ever realized.

Bridge was a favorite pastime, and Nancy was both competitive and had a sharp, logical brain. Being a partner game gave her many hours of fun playing with teammates.

A gifted and passionate cook, she delighted in preparing small get-togethers, barbeques, large elaborate dinners and holiday feasts, often using recipes she discovered from friends, family, the cooking shows.

Nancy lived to serve her Church of Christ family and community. She is survived by her husband Mitchell Brown; daughter Elizabeth (Michael) Pettijohn of Justin, TX; Nancy (Steven) Hager of Fresno, CA; and Suzanne Hollingsworth of Coronado, CA; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of love, hospitality, and generosity. Her home may be quieter now but the warmth she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and love her.

Her body has been cremated and ashes scattered throughout the rose garden at the Desert Memorial Park Cemetery in Ridgecrest, CA.